Priapismo y leucemia mieloide crónica en adolescente. Debut poco frecuente. Reporte de caso / Priapism and chronic myeloid leukemia in an adolescent. Rare debut presentation. A case report

El priapismo es una erección dolorosa y persistente acompañada o no de estímulo sexual. Una causa poco frecuente de esta anormalidad es la leucemia mieloide crónica. Se han reportado pocos casos de priapismo como manifestación inicial de una leucemia de este tipo en pacientes adolescentes. A continuación, se informa el caso de un paciente de 16 años de edad que presentó priapismo como manifestación inicial de una leucemia mieloide crónica. Durante su evolución, no se realizó aspiración de los cuerpos cavernosos. Se inició tratamiento hematológico específico y, ante la persistencia del priapismo, fue necesario realizar un shunt de cuerpos cavernosos en dos ocasiones, tratamiento a pesar del cual existen altas probabilidades de secuelas.

Priapism is a painful and persistent erection, with or without sexual stimulation. A rare cause of such abnormality is chronic myeloid leukemia. Few cases of priapism as an initial manifestation of this type of leukemia have been reported in adolescent patients. Here we describe the case of a 16-year-old patient who presented with priapism as the initial manifestation of chronic myeloid leukemia. No cavernosal aspiration was performed. A specific hematological treatment was started and, given the persistence of priapism, the patient required 2 corpora cavernosa shunt procedures; despite this treatment, there is a high probability of sequelae.

Isocromosoma Filadelfia en dos pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica / Philadelphia isochromosome in two patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

RESUMEN El cromosoma Filadelfia (Ph por su abreviatura del inglés "Philadelphia") se presenta en más del 90 % de los pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica. Un cromosoma Ph extra es una de las alteraciones secundarias comúnmente observada como evolución clonal de la enfermedad y se puede presentar como un derivativo adicional o un isocromosoma del 22 derivativo. Es una alteración adquirida durante la progresión de la enfermedad con implicación pronóstica. Se presentan dos casos con diagnóstico de leucemia mieloide crónica, resistentes al tratamiento con mesilato de imatinib. En el estudio cromosómico con técnica de banda G se observaron en ambos pacientes líneas celulares con dos isocromosomas del derivativo del 22, 2ider (22) t (9; 22). El primer caso falleció en crisis blástica y el segundo luego de no responder al tratamiento de primera línea, se le indicó nilotinib pero su evolución fue no satisfactoria. Las alteraciones cromosómicas secundarias están asociadas con un impacto negativo en la supervivencia y progresión a fase acelerada y crisis blástica de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT The Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) is present in more than 90% of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. An extra Ph chromosome is one of the secondary alterations commonly observed in clonal evolution and it could be as na additional derivative or anisochromosome of the derivative. It is na alteration acquired during the progression of the disease with prognostic implications. We present two cases with a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia, Who showed resistance to treatment with imatinib mesylate. In both patients,the chromosomal study with G-band technique, show cell lines with two isochromosomes from the derivative of 22, 2ider(22)t(9; 22). The first case died in blast crisis and to the second after not responding to the first line treatment, was precribed nilotinib but the evolution was unsatisfactory. Secondary chromosomal alterations are associated with a negative impact on survival and the progression to accelerated phase and blast crisis of the disease.

Complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda / Infectious complications in acute myeloid leukemia patients

La leucemia aguda ha sido reconocida como una enfermedad compleja y rápidamente fatal desde su primera descripción hace 150 años. Librada a su historia natural, la leucemia mieloide aguda lleva a la muerte en pocos meses. Las infecciones son la principal causa de muerte, siendo la bacteriemia y la neumonía las más frecuentes.Los avances ocurridos en los últimos 50 años, como el advenimiento de quimioterapias efectivas, la mejor comprensión de la patogénesis de las complicaciones infecciosas en el paciente neutropénico, la disponibilidad de agentes anti infecciosos de amplio espectro y la mejoría en los cuidados de soporte contribuyeron a mejorar esta situación. En relación a otras enfermedades oncohematológicas, la leucemia mieloide aguda registra la mayor incidencia de eventos febriles, siendo el período de mayor riesgo el de la inducción a la remisión.La fiebre de origen desconocido, la multirresistencia bacteriana y las infecciones fúngicas invasivas constituyen un desafío para el equipo de trabajo.El uso de profilaxis antibacteriana y antifúngica no reemplaza a las medidas de prevención de carácter institucional

Acute leukemias have been recognized as complex and radiply fatal diseases since its first description 150 years ago. Delivered to its natural history, acute myeloid leukemia leads to death in a few months. Infections are the main cause of death, being bacteremia and pneumonia the most frequent. Advances in the last 50 years, such as the advent of effective chemotherapy, a best understanding of the pathogenesis of infectious complications in the neutropenic patient, the availability of broad-spectrum anti-infective agents and better supportive care helped improve this situation. Among other oncological diseases, acute myeloid leukemia has the highest incidence of febrile events, being induction to remission the period of greatest risk. Fever of unknown origin, bacterial multidrug resistance and invasive fungal infections are a challenge for the medical team. The use of antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis does not replace institutional preventive measures

A Rare Case of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and Plasma Cell Myeloma in the Same Patient

No abstract available.

Persistent suboptimal molecular response in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia and Klinefelter syndrome

No abstract available.

Evolución clonal en la leucemia mieloide crónica / Clonal evolution in chronic myeloid leukemia

Evolución clonal en la leucemia mieloide crónica se denomina a la presencia de alteraciones cromosómicas adicionales al cromosoma Filadelfia. Ocurre aproximadamente en el 30 por ciento de los pacientes en fase acelerada y en el 80 por ciento de los pacientes en crisis blástica. Es considerada un criterio de la fase acelerada de la enfermedad. Aunque se plantea que su presencia implica peor pronóstico, su significado es controversial y está en dependencia de la alteración citogenética específica, su frecuencia en el cariotipo, la asociación con otras alteraciones citogenéticas y clínicas de progresión, relación con el tiempo en que aparece en la evolución de la enfermedad y los tratamientos empleados

Clonal evolution in chronic myeloid leukemia is defined as the presence of a variety of additional, nonrandom chromosomal abnormalities besides the Philadelfia chromosome. It occurs in approximately 30 percent of patients in accelerated phase and 80 percent of patients in blastic phase. It is considered a criterion for accelerated phase. Although it is associated with a poor prognosis, its significance is controversial. It depends on the specific cytogenetic abnormality, its frequency in karyotype study, the association with other progression clinical and cytogenetic alterations, its relationship with the time of appearance during the course of the disease and the therapy used

Linfoma no Hodgkin y leucemia mieloide crónica metacrónica en una paciente: reporte de un caso / Non Hodgkin´s lymphoma and metachronus chronic myeloid leukemia in a patient: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los linfomas no Hodgkin son neoplasias linfáticas de incidencia creciente en el mundo y que en Chile representan la séptima causa de muerte por cáncer. El tratamiento con quimioterapia de los linfomas de alto grado de malignidad ha significado que globalmente se logren sobrevidas de 60 por ciento a cinco años. La ocurrencia de segundas neoplasias en pacientes con linfomas tratados es aproximadamente un 7 por ciento, correspondiendo la mayoría a tumores sólidos de pulmón, mama y leucemias agudas. No se ha descrito la leucemia mieloide crónica como complicación del tratamiento o forma secundaria en pacientes tratados por linfoma. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Paciente que un año y medio después de ser tratada de una recaída tardía de un Linfoma no Hodgkin de alto grado, avanzado, presenta leucemia mieloide crónica confirmada por cariograma y reacción de polimerasa en cadena. Recibe tratamiento con Imatinib con respuesta citogenética completa. DISCUSIÓN: Revisada la literatura no se encontró reportado otro caso similar. Está descrita la asociación entre ambas entidades, pero siempre el linfoma sigue o se presenta simultáneamente con la leucemia mieloide crónica. Esto podría tratarse de diferentes formas de expresión de una alteración de la stem cell pluripotente o bien de una ocurrencia al azar en una persona con defecto en los mecanismos antioncogénicos.

INTRODUCTION: Non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma is lymphatic neoplasms with increasing incidence in the world and in Chile represents the 7th cause of cancer death. Chemotherapy treatment of lymphomas of high malignancy has meant that overall survivals are prolonged in approximately 60 percent of all patients. The occurrence of second malignancies in patients after treatment of lymphoma is approximately 7 percent, beeing mostly solid tumors of lung, breast and acute leukemias. It has not been reported chronic myeloid leukemia as a complication of treatment or secondarily in patients treated of lymphoma. CASE REPORT: Patient that one and a half year after treatment of a late relapse of non-Hodgkin lymphoma of high grade, advanced, presents a chronic myeloid leukemia confirmed by karyotype and by polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with Imatinib the patient achieved a complete cytogenetic response. DISCUSSION: Review of the literature found no similar case report. It describes the association between both entities but lymphoma always following or occurring simultaneously with chronic myeloid leukemia. This could be different forms of expression of an alteration of the pluripotent stem cell or a random occurrence in a person with antioncogénicos defect mechanisms.

Hipoxemia espuria por hiperleucocitosis: Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Spurious hypoxemia due to hyperleukocytosis: Report of one case

Background: Arterial gasometry is considered the gold standard for establishing a diagnosis of respiratory failure of any etiology. However, there are some circumstances in which it loses specificity, making necessary to consider other tests such as pulse oximetry to adequately determine hypoxemia. We report a 67 years old patient with sudden hypoacusia, right hemiparesis and polypnea. His laboratory exams on admission, showed extreme hypoxemia in several readings, without correlation to the patient's clinical condition nor the pulse oximetry, and a leukocytosis of 800.000 cells x ml, with many immature cells. Chronic myeloid leukemia was diagnosed and treatment with hydroxyurea was initiated, achieving normalization in the arterial gases in accordance with the fall of the white cell count. Interpretation of laboratory findings according to the general clinical context of the patient allowed to suspect a spurious hypoxemia, saving the patient from unnecessary and risky interventions.

Caracterización de los autoanticuerpos en la anemia hemolítica autoinmune secundaria al tratamiento con interferón alfa / Characterization of autoantibodies in autoimmune hemolytic anemia following treatment with interferon alfa

Se estudiaron 13 pacientes con leucemia mieloide crónica y anemia hemolítica autoinmune inducida por el interferón alfa, a quienes se les realizó la detección de inmunoproteínas y la caracterización de las subclases de IgG en los hematíes mediante la prueba de antiglobulina directa (PAD) y la técnica de microplacas. Se aplicó además un ELISA para la cuantificación de inmunoglobulinas en los hematíes. Se detectó la presencia de IgG y C3 en el 53,84 por ciento de los casos, IgG sola en el 23,07 por ciento y en el 15,38 por ciento se identificaron autoanticuerpos IgG e IgA. En 11 pacientes se demostró la presencia de IgG1 y en un caso se identificaron además autoanticuerpos de la subclase IgG3. El ELISA detectó autoanticuerpos en concentraciones de 183 moléculas de IgG por hematíe en un paciente con PAD negativa. En los pacientes con hemólisis de alto grado se encontró una concentración de autoanticuerpos entre 1 500 y 3 180 moléculas de IgG por hematíe, mientras que en los casos con hemólisis de bajo grado se comportó entre 183 y 1 000 moléculas. Se observó una correlación negativa entre las cifras de Hb y los valores de haptoglobina plasmática con el número de moléculas de IgG por hematíe y una correlación positiva entre este último con el conteo de reticulocitos

We studied 13 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia induced by interferon alfa. They underwent tests for immune protein detection and characterization of IgG subclasses in RBCs by direct antiglobulin test (PAD) and the microplate technique. Also they were applied ELISA test for quantifying immunoglobulins in the red blood cells. It was detected the presence of IgG and C3 in 53.84 percent of cases, IgG alone in 23.07 percent and in 15.38 percent were identified IgG and IgA autoantibodies. In 11 patients the presence of IgG1 was showed and also in one case the subclass IgG3 autoantibodies was identified. The ELISA detected antibodies at concentrations of 183 IgG molecules per erythrocyte in a patient with negative PAD. In high-grade hemolysis patients, it was found a concentration of autoantibodies between 1 500 and 3 180 molecules of IgG per erythrocyte, while in low-grade hemolysis patients it behaved between 183 and 1 000 molecules. There was a negative correlation between Hb and plasma haptoglobin values with the number of IgG molecules per erythrocyte and a positive correlation between the latter with the reticulocyte count

Algunas variables clínicas y de laboratorio en pacientes adultos con leucemia mieloide crónica tratados con interferón alfa recombinante + citosina arabinósido / Some clinical and laboratory variables in adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with recombinant alpha interferon + cytosine arabinoside

La leucemia mieloide crónica del adulto es la hemopatía maligna más frecuente dentro de los síndromes mieloproliferativos. En un estudio retrospectivo longitudinal realizado entre enero de 1985 y diciembre de 2009, se evaluaron 46 pacientes en fase crónica atendidos en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Todos recibieron tratamiento inicial citorreductor y posteriormente interferón ? recombinante (INF?r) + citosina arabinósido. El 41,0 por ciento de los enfermos presentó un índice pronóstico de Sokal de alto riesgo. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes al diagnóstico fueron astenia (37 por ciento), esplenomegalia (31 por ciento) y pérdida de peso (28,3 por ciento). La respuesta hematológica parcial y completa fue del 26,8 por ciento y 65,9 por ciento a los 6 meses; la respuesta citogenética y molecular completa de 9,1 por ciento y 16,3 por ciento, respectivamente. Las reacciones adversas más frecuentes fueron fiebre (34,9 por ciento), trombocitopenia (26,2 por ciento) y síndrome general (23,8 por ciento). El 47,8 por ciento de los casos mostraron resistencia o intolerancia al INF?r y el 90,9 por ciento falleció por progresión de la enfermedad. La sobrevida global a los 5 años fue del 63,8 por ciento y la sobrevida libre de eventos a los 3 años fue del 68,9 por ciento. Según el índice pronóstico de Sokal, la sobrevida global mostró diferencia significativa entre los 3 grupos (p= 0,005), no así para la sobrevida libre de eventos (p= 0,165). El tratamiento con INF?r mostró resultados superiores a los de algunos países desarrollados y constituye una opción terapéutica eficaz en Cuba

Chronic myeloid leukemia is the most frequent myeloproliferative syndrome in adults. In a longitudinal retrospective study performed between January 1985 - December 2009, 46 patients in chronic phase diagnosed at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology were evaluated. They received cytoreductor agent as first treatment followed by interferon ?2 + cytosar. Forty one percent showed high risk Sokal prognosis score. The most frequent clinical manifestations at diagnosis were asthenia (37 percent), splenomegaly (31 percent) and weigh lost (28.3 percent). The partial and complete hematological response was of 26,8 percent and 65.9 percent after 6 months and the complete cytogenetic and molecular response was of 9.1 percent and 16.3 percent. The most frequent adverse reactions were: fever (34.9 percent), thrombocytopenia (26.3 percent) and general syndrome (23.8 percent). Resistance or intolerance to INF?2 was found in 47.8 percent of the patients and 90.0 percent died due to progression of the disease. The 5 year overall survival was of 63.8 percent and the 3 years free event survival was of 68.9 percent. According to Sokal prognosis score the overall survival showed significant difference between groups (p= 0.005) but there was no significant difference for free event survival (p= 0.165). The INF?2 treatment in our patients showed better results than those obtained in different developed countries and is an effective therapeutic option in Cuba

Priapismo en pediatría: presentación inicial de una leucemia mieloide crónica / Priapism in pediatrics: initial presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia

El priapismo es una erección peneana prolongada, desencadenada o no por estímulo sexual. Es poco frecuente en pediatría, pero importa su conocimiento pues su presencia puede trasuntar enfermedades graves, como la leucemia, y también puede complicarse con la disfunción sexual eréctil irreversible, si no se establece el tratamiento oportuno. Se informa el caso de un niño de 16 años, que debuta con priapismo como presentación de una leucemia mieloide crónica. El conocimiento del cuadro de priapismo permite realizar un enfoque adecuado, aplicar de forma sistemática las exploraciones y establecer un tratamiento para prevenir sus complicaciones.

Priapism is a prolonged penis erection, triggered by sexual stimulation or not; it is uncommon in children, but its knowledge is of great importance since it may lead to suspect serious diseases, such as leukemia, and it can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if appropriate treatment is not timely done. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy with priapism which lead to a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. Knowledge of an uncommon pathology in children, like priapism, it is very important in order to establish the suitable and timely treatment, to prevent the irreversible sequelaes and complications of this disease.

Probable asociación de los inhibidores de la tirosina quinasa con la persistencia de clones aberrantes con cromosoma Filadelfia negativo / Probable association of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with aberrant clones persistent Philadelphia chromosome negative

Paciente de 43 años diagnosticado con leucemia mieloide crónica en 1998, que fue tratado de forma inicial con interferón alfa. En la terapia posterior adquirió múltiples cambios citogenéticos clonales en células del cromosoma Filadelfia negativas, por lo que se describe el efecto de los inhibidores de la tirosina quinasa de segunda generación sobre esos clones celulares.

Leucemia cutis / Leukemia Cutis

La leucemia cutis se define como la infiltración de células leucémicas a nivel de la piel. Constituye un signo de enfermedad diseminada y en ocasiones es un marcador de recidiva. Su presentación clínica es variable y comprende desde pequeñas pápulas hasta grandes nódulos o tumores. Por lo general las lesiones aparecen en forma posterior al compromiso de sangre periférica. La leucemia cutis se observa con mayor frecuencia en las leucemias monocíticas o mielomonocíticas, y su presencia implica un signo de mal pronóstico. Se presentan tres casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de leucemia mieloide aguda, síndrome mielodisplásico y leucemia mieloide crónica, que presentaron leucemias cutáneas diagnosticadas por histolopatología e inmunohistoquímica.

Estimation of salivary amylase and total proteins in leukemia patients and its correlation with clinical feature and radiographic finding.

Background: Leukemia is a fatal disease. The oral manifestations of the leukemias occur early in the course of the disease and these oral features can at times act as a diagnostic indicator. Saliva has been used as a diagnostic aid in a number of systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: In our study, samples of unstimulated saliva of 30 leukemia patients who were not on chemotherapy were collected and analyzed for salivary amylase and total protein. The oral manifestations and radiographic changes (OPG) were recorded. The correlation between the oral manifestations and the salivary components (salivary amylase and total protein) was assessed for prognostic significance. Results: In the present study when the mean values of salivary amylase (1280±754 U/ml) and total protein (647.2±320.7 mg%) were compared with that in control subjects. There was a statistically significant difference for amylase levels (P<.05). On intraoral examination the study subjects showed pallor, gingivitis, gingival enlargement, petechiae, and ecchymosis. On the OPG, the radiographic features included generalized rarefaction of bone (20%), thinning of lamina dura (3.4%), generalized alveolar crest bone resorption (30%), thinning of walls of alveolar crypts (6.7%), besides others, e.g., periapical abscess (10%). Conclusions: The saliva of leukemic patients demonstrated obvious changes in composition. A rise in salivary amylase and total protein levels was evident, with the increase in amylase levels being statistically significant.

Prevalence of gallstones in patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia

The aim of the present case-control study was to determine whether or not the prevalence of gallbladder stones [GBS] was increased in patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia [CML] and to investigate clinical and laboratory characteristics of CML patients with GBS. This study included 56 patients with CML and 55 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent abdominal ultrasonography and the main clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded. Gallbladder stones were detected in 13 [23.6%] patients with CML and in 3 [5.4%] control individuals [p < 0.05]. The mean follow-up period of CML patients after diagnosis was 54.6 months, range 3-120 months. Hemoglobin levels were higher in the control group than in CML patients. However, total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase levels, leukocyte and thrombocyte counts, frequency of splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were higher in the CML than in the control group [p < 0.05]. Other clinical and laboratory values were not significantly different between the groups. CML patients with and without GBS were also compared for clinical and laboratory values. Age and follow-up period of CML patients after diagnosis were higher in the CML patients with GBS [p < 0.05]. Higher prevalence of GBS in CML patients than in healthy controls was detected. We suggest that CML may increase the frequency of GBS, apart from other well-known risk factors. This risk is probably related to increased unconjugated bilirubin, which determines hemolysis, older age and long follow-up period of CML patients after diagnosis

Leucemia mielóide crônica e síndrome de hiper-viscosidade: relato de caso / Chronicle myeloid leukemia and hiperviscosity syndrome: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A hiperleucocitose (> 100 x 10(9)/L) em leucemia mielóide crônica não é uma apresentação comum e pode determinar manifestações clínicas de hiper-viscosidade. As perdas auditiva e visual observadas em pacientes com leucemia são consideradas sintomas incomuns, mas fortemente associados à síndrome da hiper-viscosidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o caso de um paciente que apresentou perda da audição como manifestação inicial de leucemia mielóide crônica e síndrome de hiper-viscosidade e rever aspectos relacionados a seu tratamento em Medicina Intensiva. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 41 anos, com queixa de tontura havia seis meses sem resposta ao tratamento sintomático, foi admitido no serviço de emergência com perda auditiva aguda. Ao exame físico encontrava-se normal, exceto por perda auditiva bilateralmente. Os exames laboratoriais demonstraram leucocitose importante (645.000), com 66,4 por cento de blastos com características mielóides, 13,6 por cento bastões, 15,3 por cento segmentados, 1,4 por cento linfócitos, 3,3 por cento eosinófilos e plaquetas de 225.000. Devido à suspeição de leucemia com risco elevado para síndrome de hiper-viscosidade, o paciente foi admitido para tratamento na unidade de terapia intensiva. Realizado mielograma e biópsia de medula óssea que confirmaram o diagnóstico de leucemia mielóide crônica. Iniciadas hidratação, hidroxiuréia, alopurinol e dexametasona. A leucoaferese foi realizada uma semana após a admissão, quando a contagem leucocitária estava em torno de 488.000. Dez dias após o procedimento, o paciente não apresentou melhora da audição, apesar da leucometria de 10.000. Recebeu alta hospitalar em duas semanas para continuidade do tratamento ambulatorial. CONCLUSÕES: As freqüências das manifestações sensitivas em pacientes com leucemia incluem além das perdas auditiva e visual, vertigem, paralisia facial e infecções. A síndrome de hiper-viscosidade decorrente...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperleukocytosis (> 100 x 10(9)/L) is an uncommon presentation of chronic leukemias and it can present clinical symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome. Hearing loss and blindness rarely occurs in patients with leukemia; however, it can be strong association with hyper-viscosity syndrome. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of acute hearing loss as the initial manifestation of acute leukemia and hyper-viscosity syndrome and also mainly aspects of the intensive care treatment. CASE REPORT: A 41 year-old, male patient, who has been complaining about dizziness for six months with no response to symptomatic medications, was admitted to the emergency department with acute hearing loss. The physical examination was normal except for a bilateral hearing loss without an apparent cause. Laboratory exams showed total leukocyte: 645.000 with 66.4 percent blasts, hemoglobin: 7.0, hematocrit: 20.5, urea: 94, creatinine: 1.59, K: 5.6, Na: 138, INR: 1.38, TTPa: 0.89, troponin lower than 0.2, CK: 218, CKMB: 50, uric acid: 11.1. After a first hypothesis of leukemia with a high risk of hyper-viscosity complications, the patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for monitoring and treatment. A bone marrow biopsy was performed and than started hidratation, hydroxyurea, allopurinol, dexamethasone. According to hematologists the patient had a chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukopheresis was performed one week after admission when total blood leukocytes were around 488.000. Ten days after the procedure the patient had no improvement of the hearing loss but total leukocytes were 10.100. He was discharge to the ward and 2 weeks later went home to continue ambulatory treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of sensitive manifestations in patients with leukemia include not only visual and hearing loss but also many others manifestations such as conductive vertigo, facial palsy and infections. Hyperviscosity syndrome due to hyperleukocytosis...

A Case of Leukemic Pleural Infiltration in Atypical Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Pleural effusion in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is poorly understood and rarely reported in the literature. When the pleural effusion is caused by leukemic pleural infiltration, the differential white blood cell count of the effusion is identical to that of the peripheral blood, and the fluid cytology reveals leukemic blasts. We report here a case of bilateral pleural involvement of atypical CML in an 83-yr old male diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with abdominal wall metastasis and incidental peripheral leukocytosis. Based on bone marrow examination, chromosome analysis and polymerase chain reaction he was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome negative, BCR/ABL gene rearrangement negative CML. Following 3 months of treatment with gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer, he developed bilateral pleural effusions. All stages of granulocytes and a few blasts were present in both the pleural fluid and a peripheral blood smear. After treatment with hydroxyurea and pleurodesis, the pleural effusion resolved.